Burghfield Common Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Burghfield Common’s December 2023 crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000 residents places the area 8.3% above the UK average of 7.2, a figure that reflects both seasonal and local dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 28.9% of all incidents — the highest proportion in the category. This spike, which saw a 200% increase from November, may be linked to the holiday season’s social pressures and reduced visibility during dark evenings. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 17.3%, with a 51% gap above the UK average, suggesting challenges in managing community tensions during the festive period. Shoplifting, typically a high-volume crime in retail hubs, dropped 58.8% to 7 cases, consistent with the quieter pre-Christmas retail environment. The area’s relatively low rates of vehicle crime and criminal damage — 33% and 11% below UK averages respectively — align with its rural character and limited traffic density. Seasonal factors, including Christmas shopping and holiday-related absences, likely contributed to the overall pattern, though the absence of a major urban retail core may explain the subdued shoplifting figures. These trends highlight the combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and policing strategies in shaping the area’s crime profile.

December saw a stark rise in violence and sexual offences, surging 200% from November to 15 incidents — a figure 12% below the UK average for this category. This spike contrasts with a 58.8% drop in shoplifting, which fell from 17 to 7 cases, aligning with the seasonal slowdown in retail activity during the Christmas period. Anti-social behaviour also increased, though it remains 51% above the UK average, suggesting persistent challenges in community cohesion. Meanwhile, vehicle crime doubled, a category where the area is 33% below the UK average, possibly reflecting lower traffic density in this rural built-up area. The 200% increase in burglary — from 1 to 3 incidents — highlights vulnerabilities in domestic security during the winter months, a trend consistent with other small towns experiencing holiday-related crime spikes.

Burghfield Common's crime rate in December 2023 rose 20.8% compared to November, reaching 7.8 per 1,000 residents — a local figure 8.3% above the UK average. This increase, while notable, is tempered by the area’s relatively low overall crime profile compared to larger urban centres. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported per day in December, a figure that, while consistent with historical patterns during the holiday season, reflects the small population of 6,629 residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 127 residents, a ratio that underscores the impact of seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping and reduced daylight hours. This monthly exposure rate is comparable to other small built-up areas in rural England, where transient populations and seasonal events often drive fluctuations in reported crime. The shift in crime types — particularly the rise in violence and sexual offences — may partly explain the increase, though local community engagement and policing efforts could also play a role.